LEARNING FROM ONE OF THE BEST
Shannon Cook Media advisor
After two years with the Ray White Group , living and breathing real estate , I decided it was time to get into the field for a day and see what all the fuss was about .
I set off with Chairman ' s Elite agent Judi O ’ Dea and sales associate Michael Kleimeyer from Ray White Paddington to learn from some of the best in the business about the art of the deal . We headed off , me not sure what to expect from the day , Judi unflappable in a Zimmerman jumpsuit .
Judi and Michael didn ’ t fail to disappoint and within minutes were already giving out brilliant gems of advice .
Off market doesn ’ t pay
In an exclusive part of Paddington , Judi took me along to a top secret private inspection for an off market listing . After an hour of showing her client around the property , the client declared it was good but just not good enough . It became clear why Judi discourages her sellers from opting for off market sales . Private inspections often take up large chunks of the day with little reward and may even end in a lost listing . Not only that , but there ’ s no marketing opportunity in an off market sale and Judi said younger agents trying to make a name for themselves are often bullied by their sellers into listing the home off market with no promotional benefit for themselves .
A vendor letter prepared by Judi and Michael to help the home stand out to buyers .
Open home etiquette
Attending an open home later in the day , sales associate Michael opened his car trunk to an impressive collection of cleaning supplies , household gadgets and even a leaf blower . He explained he takes this collection everywhere for open homes because presentation is key .
The house needs to be immaculate and no detail is too small for a buyer ’ s notice . This is where you want them to see themselves living , so it ’ s important to be armed with not only information but a grout pen , leaf blower and your cleaning supplies .
Ray White Paddington ’ s Judi O ’ Dea and media advisor Shannon Cook .
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